by the iron mines, where we saw
them working, and got some ore."

{61} There are other important Iron works at Tintern, Redbrook, &c., but
it does not appear that Dean Forest iron is used at them.

{71a} It is difficult to explain the bold introduction of so important
an insertion, unless we attribute it to the over-wisdom of some modern
printer, who regarded Edward III. as the only excellent and redoubted
prince of the Edwardian category.

{71b} These comprehensive limits mark an early age; but in mining
matters they were hardly more than nominal--the mineral district
comprising only a third of the land thus circumscribed.

{71c} The proximity of the Severn, and particularly the Wye, to the mine
works of the age is here shown.

{71d} Printed "pichard," meaning, possibly, the Wye coracle.

{71e} The French word "gree," for agreement or composition, is familiar
among our early poets and writers, and occurs in the old statutes.

{72a} In this and in several other passages of this document, "myne " is
used for mineral or ore.

{72b} This word and its variations is technical, and is nearly
equivalent to a prohibition or injunction.

{72c} This general liberty of mining, without apparent restriction as to
surface ownership, is to be found in the earliest charters of the
Stannaries, and was and still is extensively prevalent in Germany and
elsewhere. The authorities are collected in Mr. Smirke's volume already
referred to. It was this remarkable liberty that Lord Nelson noticed
when visiting the Forest in 1802.

{72d} In very early times the smith ranked very high among artificers,
and was honoured in proportion.

{72e} Probably carbon, old iron cinders, are still found at these
places.

{72f} The gate being the spot where justice was administered, in
accordance with remote practice.

{73a} Or Court of the Mine held in the castle.

{73b} "Tertia manu," with a third hand; that is, with three witnesses or
compurgators.

{73c} In allusion to this rude and arbitrary process of distress, Mr.
Smirke states that it is abundantly countenanced by ancient usage,
especially in the Hartz Mines. Haltaus says--"Olim pignoris captio ex
debitoris rebus moventibus diu privatorum arbitrio permissa."

{73d} The "cattle" here must not be understood as exclusively applicable
to live stock, it refers to all personal "chattels" or goods.

{74a} However whimsical this claim may appear, observes Mr. Smirke, it